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Two statewide teacher unions and 43 school boards said some education funding plans, such as the voucher program using tax dollars to send children to private schools, are unconstitutional.

They argue it violates the Louisiana Constitution by paying for the programs through the public school funding formula, and they claim lawmakers didn't follow the process for passing laws.

"(The constitution) clearly says the minimum foundation program is used to fund public elementary and secondary education," said Steve Monaghan, of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers.

"We adopted a constitution, and we expect our legislators to follow it," said Louisiana Association of Educators attorney Bryan Blackwell.

Meanwhile, supporters of the school voucher program took to the streets outside court, saying it gives thousands of children a choice and a chance for better education.

"We have chapel days on Thursdays, and we worship God," said voucher student, Tyrell Jackson.

"The schools he went to, he was not learning there. I sent him to other schools, but (he) just wasn’t getting it. Now, he's doing great," said Jackson's mother, Laquinta Valentine.

Officials said what is being argued inside the courtroom is whether the law was followed in passing the voucher program.

"The state of Louisiana has an obligation to take affirmative steps to provide that education or an opportunity for that education, and that's exactly what this program does," said Bill Maurer, of the Black Alliance for Educational Options.

Jindal and Superintendent of Education John White said the programs were funded and created in line with the constitution and state law.

"We're defending the constitutionality of these statutes, so they've got to prove they are unconstitutional. We believe they are clearly constitutional. In fact, all laws are presumed constitutional," said Attorney for the State Jimmy Faircloth.

As the state money follows students to private schools, some lawmakers question accountability.

"These private and parochial (related to a parish) schools are getting public dollars, and basically no accountability. While they say there's accountability, there really is no accountability," said Rep. Patricia Haynes Smith, D-Baton Rouge.

More than 4,900 students are using vouchers to attend 117 private schools.